DAERA sends in inspectors to AFBI Hillsborough

The permanent secretary at DAERA, Katrina Godfray, requested that water quality officers at the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) undertake an inspection of the government-owned farm at AFBI Hillsborough in October 2025, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has confirmed.

It is understood the inspection was in response to information passed to a national media outlet by a whistleblower, which included allegations relating to animal welfare and slurry spreading outside of the closed period.

In an answer to a written question from former DAERA Minister, Michelle McIlveen, Minister Muir said the NIEA inspection was completed on 28 October.

“NIEA inspectors found no evidence of any breach of the NAP (Nutrients Action Programme) regulations in respect of the closed period spreading. Inspectors did, however, identify evidence of low severity pollution in a waterway on the farm and a request was made for action to immediately minimise pollution impact. NIEA is continuing to follow up on this issue,” said the Minister.

On inquiry, an AFBI spokesperson said the organisation had noted the NIEA findings and actions have been taken to address the concerns raised.

Other inspections

In her question, Michelle McIlveen also asked about the outcome of other inspections, including by the Red Tractor quality assurance scheme. “At the time of writing AFBI awaits the completion of the audit,” said the Minister.

She also asked him for his assessment of the management of the AFBI farm at Hillsborough.

“Management of the farm at AFBI Hillsborough is an operational matter for the AFBI management team, with appropriate oversight by the AFBI Board,” he responded.

At the Stormont Agriculture committee last Thursday, chair Robbie Butler MLA said he was content to pass on evidence “relating to an alleged instance of animal mistreatment at AFBI”. He said Minister Muir has written to the committee to confirm he was taking the matter seriously and inspections have been undertaken. “We await the department’s response to that material,” said the committee chair.